Wednesday, July 4, 2012

In the Library: Joan Miró: The Ladder of Escape

Where:  National Gallery of Art, East Building Library

When:  through August 12, 2012

I've sensed before that exhibits in the library are tied to exhibits in the Gallery proper, but this is the first time I've seen something in the library that's so clearly meant to "go with" another, larger show.  A continuation of the Joan Miró exhibit currently on at the East Building, it features three Miró pieces.  One is the introduction that Miró wrote to the catalog of a Alexander Calder show in Palma de Mallorca, Spain in 1972.  It consists of  some color drawings and a handwritten note to Calder, recalling several experiences the two shared in years past.  There's something about the drawings that puts me in mind of Calder.  I can't describe it exactly, but somehow they are Calder-esque.  Perhaps it's the orange triangle drawing that is reminiscent of the mobile handing in the East Building.

The other two items on display are scrolls that Miró created, also in 1972.  What they are meant to represent, I couldn't tell you.  They look like so many scribbles, with no rhyme or reason to any of it.  I did notice that at the end of one of them, there are two holes - perhaps another attempt to "assassinate" painting?

Verdict:  Unless you're a big fan of Miró, you can give this a miss.

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